With just nine points separating the two sides in the La Liga standings, this should be one of the closest Madrid derbies in recent history.

Los Blancos are not exactly in confident mood at the moment, having failed to beat Manchester United in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 stage tie.

Jose Mourinho’s side largely dominating the proceedings, but wasted a number of good chances to score and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

The time has come for los Merengues to shift their focus to their league campaign, where they tackle in-form Rayo Vallecano, and a morale-boosting win is just what the team need at the moment.

Home win pays just 1.20 (1/5) at BetVictor, whereas Real are 2.20 (6/5) with bet365 to win by a margin of three goals or more.

Sergio Ramos could be dropped after he was blamed for Danny Welbeck’s goal, while Xabi Alonso will be rested after he played through the pain in midweek.

Gonzalo Higuain, Luka Modric and Alvaro Arbeloa are all suspended, but Pepe, Kaka and Michael Essien are set to start.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Lopez – Ramos, Pepe, Varane, Coentrao – Khedira, Essien – Di Maria, Kaka, Ronaldo – Benzema.

Rayo Vallecano were seen as one of the main candidates for the drop after they gained promotion from Segunda in the summer of 2011, but they survived the league campaign thanks to a win on the final day of the season.

With star forward Michu leaving for Swansea, los Franjirrojos were predicted another difficult campaign, but with 15 more games to go, they need just few more points to secure La Liga survival.

Paco Jemez’s side have been absolutely brilliant this season, as witnessed by the fact they are now just two points behind Champions League places.

After seeing off local rivals Atletico Madrid at the weekend, Rayo will attempt to do well against another team from the capital, with double chance on Vallecano paying 5.00 (4/1) at BetFred.

Key attacker Leo Baptistao is doubtful with an ankle problem, but defender Tito returns to the side after serving a suspension.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Ruben – Tito, Galvez, Amat, Casado – Trashorras, Fuego – Bangoura, Dominguez, Piti – Delibasic.

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